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Publication
The mineral composition value of selected Azorean macroalgae with beneficial impact on human cardiovascular health
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
In view of the current increasing demand of macroalgae for human consumption, due to its high nutritional and health-promoting value, this study determines the ash content and investigates the macromineral composition in seven selected Azorean macroalgae (the Chlorophyta Ulva compressa and Ulva rígida, the Ochrophyta Fucus spiralis and the Rhodophyta Gelidium microdon, Osmundea pinnatifida, Porphyra sp. and Pterocladiella capillacea) in order to estimate its potential impact on human cardiovascular health. The ash content of the studied macroalgae (dry weight basis) ranged from 10.70±2% (P. capillacea) to 38.61±0.7% (O. pinnatifida), which is higher than that of the most common vegetables. Thus, these macraalgae can contribute with essential microelements to human and animal nutrition. Regarding the macromineral composition, as compared to some common foods, the results revealed that F. spiralis, G. microdon, O. pinnatifida and P. capillacea presented a well-balanced Ca/Mg ratio (approx. 1:1) and consequently a potential positive effect on heartbeat regulation and myocardial infarction protection. The results also revealed that all studied macroalgae presented o low Na/K ratio (< 2) and, consequently, a potential human hypotensive effect. Thus, the results suggest that a regular consumption of the studied Azorean macroalgae, either directly or through food supplements, may have a protective effect on cardiovascular diseases, the world's most common cause of Human death.
Description
Keywords
Edible Macroalgae Ash Macrominerals Heartbeat Rate Myocardial Infarction Hypertension Cardiovascular Health
Citation
Paiva, L., Lima, E., Neto, A.I. & Baptista, J. (2020). The mineral composition value of selected Azorean macroalgae with beneficial impact on human cardiovascular health. IITAA Technical Issues, 2, 28-31.
Publisher
Universidade dos Açores